Ethiopia has established a clandestine military camp to train thousands of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitaries, marking a major escalation in Ethiopia’s direct involvement in the Sudanese civil war.
Why it matters
The Reuters investigation provides the first concrete evidence that Ethiopia is actively fueling the Sudan conflict by providing a “force multiplier” for the RSF.
- Direct Intervention: Ethiopia is now a primary staging ground for RSF reinforcements.
- Geopolitical Proxy: Extensive evidence links the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the financing and logistics of this secret operation.
- Regional Flashpoint: The camp’s location near the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) risks turning Africa’s largest hydroelectric project into a military target.
The Big Picture: A Secret Front in Benishangul-Gumuz
Reuters’ analysis of satellite imagery and internal diplomatic cables confirms that the camp, located in Ethiopia’s remote Menge district, has been operational and expanding since late 2025.
- The Scale: As of January 2026, 4,300 RSF fighters were undergoing training. The facility is built to house up to 10,000.
- Logistical Hub: The nearby Asosa Airport has been upgraded with a drone ground control station and satellite antennas to support RSF-aligned aerial operations.
- Regional Recruits: While training RSF personnel, the camp also hosts fighters from South Sudan and the Sudanese SPLM-N rebel group.
By the numbers: Infrastructure & Logistics for RSF
Military intelligence firm Janes and Reuters analyzed the rapid buildup through January 22, 2026:
| Metric | Status | Details |
| Troop Strength | ~4,300 Personnel | Active training as of Jan 2026. |
| Housing | 640+ Tents | Capacity for 2,500–10,000 fighters. |
| Supply Chain | 126+ Heavy Trucks | Convoys of 50–70 trucks spotted in November. |
| Distance to Border | 32 km (20 miles) | Strategically placed at the intersection of Ethiopia, Sudan, and South Sudan. |
Between the lines: The UAE and Ethiopia Alliance
Despite UAE denials of involvement, a senior Ethiopian official and leaked security memos obtained by Reuters indicate a deep partnership.
- Financial Backing: The UAE reportedly financed both the camp’s construction and the refurbishment of the Asosa drone hub.
- Field Evidence: Trucks from the Emirati Gorica Group were documented moving supplies toward the site.
- The Command: Ethiopia’s Chief of Defense Intelligence, General Getachew Gudina, is the designated official responsible for the camp’s operations.
What to watch
- Blue Nile Escalation: Trained units are already crossing the border to fight the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in the strategic Blue Nile state.
- Drone Warfare: The new infrastructure at Asosa Airport suggests a shift toward drone-supported offensives by RSF-aligned forces.
- Diplomatic Fallout: These findings will likely pressure the U.S. and U.N. to address Ethiopia’s breach of its officially neutral stance on the Sudan conflict.
